The benefits and misconceptions of hemp-based CBD products

Presented by HempMedsPX

Cannabidiol (CBD), a major naturally-occurring cannabinoid component found in the cannabis or hemp plant, comprises up to 40 percent of the plant. CBD is an especially important cannabinoid because of its benefits in the medical field.

CBD, derived from the hemp plant, is misunderstood by many, but can actually have numerous benefits. CBD is a natural component of the hemp plant, and peer-reviewed studies show it to be completely safe, even in large doses. Hemp contains an abundance of CBD and extremely small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making it impossible to get high from hemp.

Industrial hemp has been cultivated by civilizations all over the world for thousands of years for many uses including medicine, clothes, shoes and ropes. The founding fathers of the United States grew industrial hemp; it was second only to tobacco during that time. Sails and ropes on ships in the Revolutionary War were made from hemp. The United States cultivated hemp for extensive use in uniforms, canvas and rope during WWII.

The U.S. government continues to acknowledge that hemp has its uses. A patent filed in 2003 issued to the U.S. Government Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Patent 6630507) lists the positive uses of certain cannabinoids in treating “neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

The patent also states that antioxidant properties have been found in cannabinoids, useful in treating “oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.”

The federal government has acknowledged that the substances found in hemp have enormous potential. It is important that the numerous uses of the beneficial hemp plant are re-introduced to the American public. Hemp grows everywhere. If this crop was introduced back into the U.S., the benefits would be enormous. Not only can hemp be useful in so many areas including clothing, oils, fuel, paints, wood products and food, but numerous jobs would be created as well.

Chris Boucher, vice-president of Product Development at HempMedsPX, was the first person in decades to plant industrial hemp legally in the U.S. in 1994 with permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture research center. He was one of the original six founding members of Hemp Industries of America, and also wrote the first industrial hemp legislation for California and Colorado.

“For 25 years, we’ve been trying to bring hemp back to America and help the family farmers,” said Boucher. “We need to re-educate ourselves on industrial hemp and what it can do for the economy, and what it can do for our health. Hemp is stronger, cleaner and more durable and eco-friendly than mainstream fibers like cotton; and, it requires no pesticides or herbicides. Nearly every country in the world grows industrial hemp except the United States.”

The hemp products offered at HempMedsPX have a high concentration of CBD-rich hemp oil, are 100 percent natural and of the highest quality available.

Boucher will be a guest speaker at the Successful Living Expo at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego on Feb. 1. For more information, visit utsandiego.com/living-expo.